Major employers

Our region is the birthplace to some of the world’s most successful companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Alaska Airlines, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, Starbucks, Expedia, Paccar, Nordstrom, Expeditors, and Costco.

As of 2017, more than 100 outside technology companies have established engineering centers in Seattle (Geekwire).

Workforce and talent

Infrastructure

Two airports service greater Seattle: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in King County and Paine Field in Snohomish County. Sea-Tac is the 9th busiest airport in the nation, serving 91 domestic and 28 international destinations.

In 2019 Microsoft committed $500 million to advance affordable housing solutions in the region.

The ports in Seattle, Everett and Tacoma trade with over 130 countries. The total export value in 2016 was over $60 billion. The Port of Everett alone processed $29 billion worth of exports in 2016.

A $70 billion investment in regional infrastructure will add over 90 miles of light rail and improve highways, connecting major employers and diverse communities across the region.

Greater Seattle is the only major region in the U.S. to grow its bus and rail ridership between 2011 and 2016.

The Northwest Seaport Alliance – operating the ports of Seattle and Tacoma – is the fourth-largest container gateway in the U.S. and is a full sailing day closer to Asian markets than any other U.S. port.

Myth

It always rains in Seattle.

Truth

Seattle receives less annual rainfall than Atlanta, New York, Cleveland, Indianapolis or Kansas City. Our region averages 154 days a year of precipitation, and some of the most beautiful, humidity-free summers anywhere in the country.

Myth

Greater Seattle is unaffordable

Truth

Cost of living, while higher than the U.S. average, remains lower than other major U.S. metropolitan regions. Living in Seattle will cost approximately one-quarter less than living in San Francisco.

Myth

It is expensive to do business in the region.

Truth

Washington State's taxes are among the most business-friendly in the nation. In 2018, Washington was named the second-best state for business by CNBC.

Myth

Utility costs are higher in the Pacific Northwest

Truth

Washington State’s residential energy costs are approximately 20 percent below the national average, while industrial rates are 38 percent below the national average. This is due in large part to our vast sources of renewable energy like hydroelectric, wind and solar power.